Basketball goal

ABSTRACT

A basketball goal wherein spaced brace rods and a strut are fixed to a rim, and the strut and ends of the b race rods remote from the rim are fastened to a backboard by a unitary mounting plate. The upper portion of the mounting plate has a channel formed therein within which the strut is secured, and the lower portion of the mounting plate is formed with tabs, to which the brace rods are secured, when the goal is attached to a backboard.

llnite tates [72] Inventor JOhn W. Ebsteitn Roslyn Heights, N Y.

[211 App]. No 791,461

[22] Filed Jan. 15, 1969 [451 Patented Sept. 7.1971

[73] Assignee Gabriel Indum'ies, llnc.

New York, NY.

{54] BASKETBALL GOAL 8 Claims, 3 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl 273/15 lit, 248/315 [51 Int. Cl t. A63b 63/02 [50] Field of Search 273/15; 248/315 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,596.543 5/1952 Fox 273/15 2,666 64l 1/1954 Bonham 273/15 FOREIGN PATENTS 82,723 1964 France 273/15 Primary Examiner-Anton O. Oechsle Assistant Examiner Paul E. Shapiro Art0rneySeidel, Gonda & Goldhammer ABSTRACT: A basketball goal wherein spaced brace rods and a strut are fixed to a rim, and the strut and ends of the brace rods remote from the rim are fastened to a backboard by a unitary mounting plate. The upper portion of the mounting plate has a channel formed therein within which the strut is secured, and the lower portion of the mounting plate is formed with tabs, to which the brace rods are secured, when the goal is attached to a backboard.

PATENTED SEP H97! 3,603, 588

E U32 24 I 2 #wnvroe JOHN WfBSTE/N 22 3 g z 7/ a;

ATTORNEYS.

BASKETBALL GOAL This invention relates to a basketball goal, and more par ticularly, to a partially preassembled basketball goal capable of being shipped in a flat, collapsed condition, and readily secured to a backboard.

Foldable basketball goals have heretofore been. proposed. For example, one known prior art goal uses a rim secured in cantilever fashion to a collapsible bracket. The bracket is in reality a hinge, the rim being coupled to an extreme end of one of the leaves of the hinge, and the other leaf adapted to be applied to the face of a backboard. Also, a brace element is pivotably coupled to the rim, and adapted to be secured upon assembly to the leaf applied to the backboard. Goals of the above-described type have several serious short comings. In the first place, the brace element is secured to the rim at the point on the rim closest to the backboard. Thus, the brace element provides only minimal support for the rim. Moreover, the brace element is pivotably secured to the rim. Such a connection inevitably loosens under the strain of usage, and produces vibration and deadening of the rim. A further serious shortcoming of the prior patented construction arises from the fact that the rotatable connection between the brace element and rim is located in a cutout in the rim-supporting leaf. Thus, the weld or other connection between the rim and leaf is measurably weakened by the presence of the brace element.

The present basketball goal is so constructed that the brace elements rigidly support the rim in precisely the same manner as in conventional, noncollapsible goals. Thus, the present goal meets all present requirements as to rigidity and rebound characteristics.

It is also important that a basketball goal be able to resist damage due to misuse. In constructions such as the abovementioned prior patent, for example, if a person were to hang on the forepart of the rim, the leaf applied to the backboard would bend about the bolts securing it to the backboard, thus producing a permanent bend in the leaf. With the present construction, the possibility of such damage is eliminated.

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel basketball goal.

It is another object to provide a partially preassembled basketball goal capable of being shipped in a collapsed, flat condition.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a basketball goal capable of being shipped in a flat, partially preassem bled condition, and having all of the operative characteristics ofconventional goal construction.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a basketball goal wherein brace rods are coupled to a rim, and a mounting member, adapted to be secured to a backboard, couples the rim and brace rods to the backboard.

It is another object to provide a basketball goal capable of being shipped in a flat, partially preassembled condition, and resistant to damage from misuse.

The foregoing and other objects are accomplished in one form of the invention of a goal comprising a rim, brace rods fixedly secured to the rim at circumferentially spaced points thereon, a strut fixedly secured to the rim and extending outwardly therefrom between the brace rods, and a mounting member for coupling the strut and the brace rods to the backboard. In the preferred form, the mounting member includes means facilitating its securement to a back board, and spaced portions thereon for receiving the strut and the brace rods.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a basketball goal in accordance with the present invention;

HG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view, taken along the line 2-2 in FIG. ii, and showing'in phantom a portion of the goal in its collapsed position;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line 3--3 in FIG. 2.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is seen in FIG. 1 a basketball goal designated generally by the reference numeral 10. Goal lid is coupled to a conventional basketball backboard 12.

Goal 10 includes a rim I4, and a pair of brace rods 11.6 and 18 secured to the rim M at circumferentially spaced locations. In a preferred form, the brace rods l6 and 18 are respective leg portions ofa unitary bail member, designated generally by the reference numeral 20. The bail member 20 as seen in the drawings, takes the form of truncated V-shaped member. The bail member 20 in the illustrated embodiment includes a bight portion 22, the purpose ofwhich will be explained later.

The goal lit in the illustrated form, also includes a strut 2d, fixed to the rim lid. The strut 2d includes a bight portion 26, the function of which will be explained later. In the illustrated embodiment, a reinforcing plate 28 is applied to the strut 2 1i and rim M to reinforce and rigidify their joint.

The brace rods l6 and 16 and strut 24 may be fixed to the rim 114 in any well-known manner. For example, the brace rods 16 and T8 and strut 24! can be welded by conventional methods to the rim M.

The mounting member 30, adapted to be secured to the backboard i2, is provided for coupling the strut 245 and brace rods 16 and T8 to the backboard 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting member 36 is a platelike member, which includes upper and lower receptacle portions 32, 34, respectively. The receptacle portion 32 is adapted to receive the bight portion 26 of strut 24, thereby coupling the strut 24 to the backboard 112. The lower receptacle portion 34 is adapted to receive the bight portion 22, and thereby couple the brace rods 16 and 18 to the backboard T2.

The mounting member 36 may be provided with suitably spaced mounting holes 36, 38 through which mounting bolts 40 may be passed. I loles 36 are disposed above and below the upper receptacle portion 32.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper receptacle portion 32 takes the form of a part circular channel, extending transversely of the mounting member 31 and adapted to receive bight portion 26 of the strut 24. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the lower receptacle portion 34 is provided in the form of a pair of upwardly extending tabs 42, 44. Tabs 52 and 44 are provided with respective holes 46, it in alignment with respective mounting holes 38.

As is best seen in FlGS. l and 2, the tabs 42 and Ml define bights, not numbered, in which bight portion 22 of the bail member 26 may be received. Mounting bolts l0 may pass through the holes 46, Ml in tabs 42, Ml, and also through the above-mentioned mounting holes 36 in mounting member 30. Thus, referring to FIG. 3, when the mounting bolt 40 is placed through the holes 56, and 38, and through the backboard 12, it deforms the tab &2 and retains the bight portion 22. Tab portion may be deformed in a like manner.

Referring to FIG. 2, the manner in which the present apparatus can be collapsed for shipment should be apparent. When manufactured and shipped, the goal lltll is provided in a collapsed configuration, indicated diagrammatically in dotted lines in FIG. 2. The bail member 20 is generally parallel to the plane of the rim l4 and strut 2 5. In this configuration, the goal it may be placed in an extremely flat. and compact package.

When it is desired to install the goal ill, the bail member 20 can be bent to an operative position wherein it is angularly disposed with respect to the plane of the rim 14 about the angle seen in MG. 2. Next, the upper receptacle portion 32 may be placed over the bight portion 26, and the bight portion 22 positioned in the bight defined by the tabs 412 and 44. The mounting member 30 can be then bolted to the backboard 12 by means of mounting bolts Win the mounting holes 38. The apparatus is shown in this stage of construction in FIG. 1.

Finally, mounting bolts 46 may be inserted into the holes 46 and 3-63, and through the mounting holes 3%. As seen in FIG. 2, tightening of the mounting bolts 46 associated with the tabs 42 and 4d serves to deform the tabs, thereby securely retaining the bight portion 22.

The present apparatus provides a strong, durable, yet readily shipable basketball goal construction. Because mounting bolts 36 are disposed above and below receptacle portion 32, serious deformation of the mounting member 30 due to weight on the rim 14 is precluded.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.

It is claimed:

1. A basketball goal comprising a rim, brace rods secured to said rim at circumferentially spaced points thereon, said brace rods comprising respective leg portions of a unitary bail member, said bail member having a bight portion thereon, a strut fixedly secured to said rim and extending outwardly therefrom between said brace rods, said strut including a bight portion remote from said rim, and a mounting member for coupling said rim and said brace rods to a backboard, said mounting member having means thereon to facilitate securement of said member to a back board, an upper receptacle portion extending transversely of said mounting member for receiving the bight portion of said strut, and a lower receptacle portion comprising an upwardly extending tab for receiving the bight portion of said bail member.

2. A basketball goal in accordance with claim 1, wherein said strut is secured to the rim by a weld, and a reinforcing member overlying said weld and coupled to said strut and said rim.

3. A basketball goal in accordance with claim 2, said means to facilitate securement of said mounting member to said backboard comprising holes above and below said upper receptacle portion and adapted to receive mounting bolts, and aligned holes in said tab and mounting member to receive a further mounting bolt.

4. A basketball goal in accordance with claim 1, said means to facilitate securement of said mounting members to said backboard comprising holes above and below said upper receptacle portion and adapted to receive mounting bolts, and aligned holes in said tab and mounting member to receive a further mounting bolt.

5. A basketball goal comprising a rim, brace rods secured to said rim at circumferentially spaced points thereon, said brace rods comprising respective leg portions of a unitary bail member, said bail member having a bight portion thereon, a strut fixedly secured to said rim and extending outwardly therefrom between said brace rods, said strut including a bight portion remote from said rim, and a mounting member for coupling said rim and said brace rods to a backboard, said mounting member having means thereon to facilitate securement ofsaid member to a backboard, an upper receptacle portion extending transversely of said mounting member for receiving the bight portion of said strut, said upper receptacle portion comprising a channel extending transversely of said mounting member and having an opening facing said backboard when said mounting member is secured to said backboard, and a lower receptacle portion extending transversely of said mounting member for receiving the bight portion ofsaid bail member.

6. A basketball goal in accordance with claim 5, wherein said strut is secured to the rim by a weld, and a reinforcing member overlying said weld and coupled to said strut and said rim, said mounting member extending between said reinforcing member and the bight portion of said strut.

7. A basketball goal in accordance with claim 6, said means to facilitate securement of said mounting member to said backboard comprising holes above and below said upper receptacle portion and adapted to receive mounting bolts, and holes adjacent said lower receptacle portion to receive further mounting bolts.

8. A basketball goal in accordance with claim 5, said means to facilitate securement of said mounting member to said backboard comprising holes above and below said upper receptacle portion and adapted to receive mounting bolts, and holes ad acent said lower receptacle portion to receive further mounting bolts.

Disclaimer 3,603,588.J07m W. Ebstein Roslyn Heights, N .Y. BASKETBALL GOAL.

Patent dated Sept. 7, 1971. Disclaimer filed Apr. 24, 1972, by the assignee Gabriel Industries, Inc.

Hereby enters this disclaimer to claim 5 of said patent.

[Ofiicial Gazette January 2, 1.973.] 

1. A basketball goal comprising a rim, brace rods secured to said rim at circumferentially spaced points thereon, said brace rods comprising respective leg portions of a unitary bail member, said bail member having a bight portion thereon, a strut fixedly secured to said rim and extending outwardly therefrom between said brace rods, said strut including a bight portion remote from said rim, and a mounting member for coupling said rim and said brace rods to a backboard, said mounting member having means thereon to facilitate securement of said member to a back board, an upper receptacle portion extending transversely of said mounting member for receiving the bight portion of said strut, and a lower receptacle portion comprising an upwardly extending tab for receiving the bight portion of said bail member.
 2. A basketball goal in accordance with claim 1, wherein said strut is secured to the rim by a weld, and a reinforcing member overlying said weld and coupled to said strut and said rim.
 3. A basketball goal in accordance with claim 2, said means to facilitate securement of said mounting member to said backboard comprising holes above and below said upper receptacle portion and adapted to receive mounting bolts, and aligned holes in said tab and mounting member to receive a further mounting bolt.
 4. A basketball goal in accordance with claim 1, said means to facilitate securement of said mounting members to said backboard comprising holes above and below said upper receptacle portion and adapted to receive mounting bolts, and aligned holes in said tab and mounting member to receive a further mounting bolt.
 5. A basketball goal comprising a rim, brace rods secured to said rim at circumferentially spaced points thereon, said brace rods comprising respective leg portions of a unitary bail member, said bail member having a bight portion thereon, a strut fixedly secured to said rim and extending outwardly therefrom between said brace rods, said strut including a bight portion remote from said rim, and a mounting member for coupling said rim and said brace rods to a backboard, said mounting member haviNg means thereon to facilitate securement of said member to a backboard, an upper receptacle portion extending transversely of said mounting member for receiving the bight portion of said strut, said upper receptacle portion comprising a channel extending transversely of said mounting member and having an opening facing said backboard when said mounting member is secured to said backboard, and a lower receptacle portion extending transversely of said mounting member for receiving the bight portion of said bail member.
 6. A basketball goal in accordance with claim 5, wherein said strut is secured to the rim by a weld, and a reinforcing member overlying said weld and coupled to said strut and said rim, said mounting member extending between said reinforcing member and the bight portion of said strut.
 7. A basketball goal in accordance with claim 6, said means to facilitate securement of said mounting member to said backboard comprising holes above and below said upper receptacle portion and adapted to receive mounting bolts, and holes adjacent said lower receptacle portion to receive further mounting bolts.
 8. A basketball goal in accordance with claim 5, said means to facilitate securement of said mounting member to said backboard comprising holes above and below said upper receptacle portion and adapted to receive mounting bolts, and holes adjacent said lower receptacle portion to receive further mounting bolts. 